Sunday, June 3, 2012

Retire: Raila tells off politicians


Retire: Raila tells off politicians


Written By:Lillian Mwendo/PMPS,    Posted: Sun, Jun 03, 2012
The PM wants Kenyans to vet those aspiring for leadership positions by their deeds and not the public pledges they make
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed those calling for his retirement as self seekers instead calling on Kenyans to elect the next president based on their credentials and development record. 
Speaking at the Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM) Nairobi where he attended a church service Sunday morning, Raila said the issue of age was extraneous and all political leaders should be gauged according to their abilities and leadership skills.
He regretted that such arguments were misplaced as some of the so called youthful contenders always ran out of fresh ideas that could help improve the living standards of Kenyans.
"Am 20 years younger than when Mandela took leadership and yet I represent the ideas of the young and progressive Kenyans" The Premier said.
Accompanied by his wife Ida Odinga, Raila urged Kenyans to choose their leaders wisely come the general election.
He cautioned Kenyans to be wary of some political hypocrites whose campaign statements were not in tune with their actions.
He told the congregation that most of those outspoken about the unity of the nation were actively involved in the formation of tribal groupings for political expediency.
"When they speak of unity of Kenyans they regroup to revive the GEMA meeting in Limuru while their colleagues retreat to Eldoret for the rebirth of the KAMATUSA" said Odinga.
He asked Kenyans to judge leaders according to what they stood for to ensure that they entrusted the leadership of the country to those who believed in the reforms Kenyans were craving for.
Assistant Minister Bishop Margaret Wanjiru presided over the service which was also attended by MPs Elizabeth Ongoro,Millie Odhiambo and Nairobi Town clerk Allan Khisia
Peaceful transition
Meanwhile, the PM says he is optimist that the institutional reforms the nation had in placed will guarantee a smooth transition after the next polls.
He has reassured the international community that the country will have a peaceful transfer of power contrary fears that the aftermath could turn chaotic.
The Premier assured the visiting President of the Japan International Co operation Agency (JICA) Prof. Akihiko Tanaka that Kenya will not disintegrate after the elections.
He however gave hints that the coming elections could gradually shape into a two horse race as many parties in the political landscape have began to align with the major players ahead of the polls.
"In my view, the polls will be a two horse race pitting the Orange democratic Movement (ODM) party and an alliance of all the others parties just like the case in the 2002 and 2007 general elections" Dr Odinga said.
He encouraged foreign investors to exploit opportunities the country offered especially now that the coalition government had developed a sound infrastructure for investment.
The Premier who was accompanied by his wife Dr. Ida Odinga during his brief meeting with Prof Tanaka discus the challenges facing the developing countries in the continent.
He urged the officials of the Japanese agency to help the government roll out a universal social welfare scheme in the country to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
"My policy and that of the ODM party has been to bridge the gap between the haves and have nots by ensuring that the welfare of the least fortunate segment of the society is addressed" he said.
The PM said the economy could grow double digits if only a credible crop of leadership took charge of the development agenda for the common good of the nation.
He said although the country was investing heavily of education, infrastructure and manpower development, the war on corruption was far from over.
Prof Tanaka is expected to leave the country later in the day after his visit in the continent where he also attended the African Development Bank annual general meeting held recently in Arusha Tanzania.

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